 | The Turke and Gowin, Sir Lambewell, Lord of Learne, Scotish Feilde, Flodden Feilde, Eger and Grine, Sir Triamore, Sir Degree. Ladye Bessiye |  |
II. Vol. II.—Part I.
78
Sir: Triamore
80
Low Iesus christ, o heauen King!
grant you all his deare blessing,
& his heauen for to win!
if you will a stond lay to your eare,
of adventures you shall heare
that wilbe to your liking,
grant you all his deare blessing,
& his heauen for to win!
if you will a stond lay to your eare,
of adventures you shall heare
that wilbe to your liking,
of a King & of a queene
that had great Ioy them betweene;
Sir Arradas was his name;
he had a queene named Margarett,
shee was as true as steele, & sweet,
& full false brought in fame
that had great Ioy them betweene;
Sir Arradas was his name;
he had a queene named Margarett,
shee was as true as steele, & sweet,
& full false brought in fame
81
by the Kings steward that Marrocke hight,
a traitor & a false knight:
herafter yee will say all the same.
hee looued well that Ladye gent;
& for shee wold not with him consent,
he did that good Queene much shame.
a traitor & a false knight:
herafter yee will say all the same.
hee looued well that Ladye gent;
& for shee wold not with him consent,
he did that good Queene much shame.
this King loued well his Queene
because shee was comlye to be seene,
& as true as the turtle on tree.
either to other made great Moane,
for children together had they none
begotten on their bodye;
because shee was comlye to be seene,
& as true as the turtle on tree.
either to other made great Moane,
for children together had they none
begotten on their bodye;
therfore the King, I vnderstand,
made a vow to goe to the holy land,
there for to fight & for to slay;
& praid god that he wold send him tho
grace to gett a child be-tweene them tow,
that the right heire might bee.
made a vow to goe to the holy land,
there for to fight & for to slay;
& praid god that he wold send him tho
grace to gett a child be-tweene them tow,
that the right heire might bee.
for his vow he did there make,
& of the pope the Crosse he did take,
for to seek the land were god him bought.
the night of his departing, on the Ladye Mild,
as god it wold, hee gott a child;
but they both wist itt naught.
& of the pope the Crosse he did take,
for to seek the land were god him bought.
the night of his departing, on the Ladye Mild,
as god it wold, hee gott a child;
but they both wist itt naught.
& on the morrow when it was day
the King hyed on his Iourney;
for to tarry, he it not thought.
then the Queene began to mourne
because her Lord wold noe longer soiourne;
shee sighed full sore, & sobbed oft.
the King hyed on his Iourney;
for to tarry, he it not thought.
82
because her Lord wold noe longer soiourne;
shee sighed full sore, & sobbed oft.
the King & his men armed them right,
both Lords, Barrons, & many a knight,
with him for to goe.
then betweene her & the King
was much sorrow & mourninge
when thé shold depart in too.
both Lords, Barrons, & many a knight,
with him for to goe.
then betweene her & the King
was much sorrow & mourninge
when thé shold depart in too.
he kissed & tooke his leaue of the Queene,
& other Ladies bright & sheene,
& of Marrocke his steward alsoe;
the King commanded him on paine of his life
for to keepe well his queene & wiffe
both in weale & woe.
& other Ladies bright & sheene,
& of Marrocke his steward alsoe;
the King commanded him on paine of his life
for to keepe well his queene & wiffe
both in weale & woe.
now is the King forth gone
to the place where god was on the crosse done,
& warreth there a while.
then bethought this false steward—
as yee shall here after[ward,]—
his lord & King to beguile;
to the place where god was on the crosse done,
& warreth there a while.
then bethought this false steward—
as yee shall here after[ward,]—
his lord & King to beguile;
he wooed the Queene day & night
for to lye with her, & he might;
he dread no creature thoe.
fful fayre hee did that Lady speake,
that he might in bed with that Ladye sleepe;
thus full oft he prayed her thoe.
for to lye with her, & he might;
he dread no creature thoe.
fful fayre hee did that Lady speake,
that he might in bed with that Ladye sleepe;
thus full oft he prayed her thoe.
but shee was stedfast in her thought,
& heard them speake, & said nought
till hee all his case had told.
then shee said, “Marrocke, hast thou not thought
all that thou speakeest is ffor nought?
I trow not that thou wold;
& heard them speake, & said nought
till hee all his case had told.
83
all that thou speakeest is ffor nought?
I trow not that thou wold;
“for well my Lord did trust thee,
when hee to you deliuered mee
to haue me vnder the hold;
& [thou] woldest full faine
to doe thy Lord shame!
traitor, thou art to bold!”
when hee to you deliuered mee
to haue me vnder the hold;
& [thou] woldest full faine
to doe thy Lord shame!
traitor, thou art to bold!”
then said Marrocke vnto that Ladye,
“my Lord is gone now verelye
against gods foes to ffight;
&, without the more wonder bee,
hee shall come noe more att thee,
as I am a true knight.
“my Lord is gone now verelye
against gods foes to ffight;
&, without the more wonder bee,
hee shall come noe more att thee,
as I am a true knight.
“& Madam, wee will worke soe priuilye,
that wethere he doe liue or dye,
for of this shall witt noe wight.”
then waxed the Queene wonderous [wroth,]
& swore many a great othe
as shee was a true woman,
that wethere he doe liue or dye,
for of this shall witt noe wight.”
then waxed the Queene wonderous [wroth,]
& swore many a great othe
as shee was a true woman,
shee said, “traitor! if euer thou be soe hardiye
to show me of such villanye,
on a gallow tree I will thee hange!
if I may know after this
that thou tice me, I-wis
thou shalt haue the law of the land.”
to show me of such villanye,
on a gallow tree I will thee hange!
if I may know after this
that thou tice me, I-wis
thou shalt haue the law of the land.”
84
Sir Marroccke said, “Ladye, mercye
I said itt for noe villainé,
by Iesu, heauen Kinge!
but only for to proue your will,
whether that you were good or ill,
& for noe other thinge;
I said itt for noe villainé,
by Iesu, heauen Kinge!
but only for to proue your will,
whether that you were good or ill,
& for noe other thinge;
“but now, Madam, I may well see
you are as true as turtle on the tree
vnto my Lord the King;
& itt is to me both glad & leefe;
therfore take it not into greefe
for noe manner of thinge.”
you are as true as turtle on the tree
vnto my Lord the King;
& itt is to me both glad & leefe;
therfore take it not into greefe
for noe manner of thinge.”
& soe the traitor excused him thoe,
the Lady wend itt had beene soe
as the steward had said.
he went forth, & held him still,
& thought he cold not haue his will;
therfore hee was euill apayd.
the Lady wend itt had beene soe
as the steward had said.
he went forth, & held him still,
& thought he cold not haue his will;
therfore hee was euill apayd.
soe with treason & trecherye
he thought to doe her villanye;
thus to himselfe he said.
night & day hee laboured then
for to betray that good woman;
soe att the last he her betraid.
he thought to doe her villanye;
thus to himselfe he said.
night & day hee laboured then
for to betray that good woman;
soe att the last he her betraid.
now of this good Queene leaue wee,
& by the grace of the holy trinitye
full great with child did shee gone.
now of King Arradas speake wee,
that soe farr in heathinnesse is hee
to fight against gods fone;
& by the grace of the holy trinitye
full great with child did shee gone.
now of King Arradas speake wee,
that soe farr in heathinnesse is hee
to fight against gods fone;
85
there with his army & all his might
slew many a sarrazen in fight.
great words of them there rose
in the heathen Land, & alsoe in Pagainé;
& in euerye other Land that they come bye,
there sprang of him great losse.
slew many a sarrazen in fight.
great words of them there rose
in the heathen Land, & alsoe in Pagainé;
& in euerye other Land that they come bye,
there sprang of him great losse.
when [he] had done his pilgrimage,
& labored all that great voyage
with all his good will & lybertye,—
att fflome Iorden & att Bethlem,
& att Caluarye beside Ierusalem,
in all the places was hee;—
& labored all that great voyage
with all his good will & lybertye,—
att fflome Iorden & att Bethlem,
& att Caluarye beside Ierusalem,
in all the places was hee;—
then he longed to come home
to see his Ladye that liued at one;
he thought euer on her greatlye.
soe long thé sealed on the fome
till att the last they came home;
he arriued ouer the Last strond.
to see his Ladye that liued at one;
he thought euer on her greatlye.
soe long thé sealed on the fome
till att the last they came home;
he arriued ouer the Last strond.
the shippes did strike their sayles eche one,
the men were glad the King came home
vnto his owne Land.
there was both mirth & game,
the Queene of his cominge was glad & faine,
Eche of them told other tydand.
the men were glad the King came home
vnto his owne Land.
there was both mirth & game,
the Queene of his cominge was glad & faine,
Eche of them told other tydand.
the King at last his Queene beheld,
& saw heer goe great with childe:
[&] hee wondred att that thinge.
many a time he did her kisse,
& made great ioy without misse;
his hart made great reioceinge.
& saw heer goe great with childe:
[&] hee wondred att that thinge.
86
& made great ioy without misse;
his hart made great reioceinge.
soone after the King hard tydinges newe
by Marroccke: that false knight vntrue
with reason his lord gan fraine,
“my lord,” he sayd, “for gods byne!
for of that childe that neuer was thine,
why art thow soe fayne?
by Marroccke: that false knight vntrue
with reason his lord gan fraine,
“my lord,” he sayd, “for gods byne!
for of that childe that neuer was thine,
why art thow soe fayne?
“you wend that itt your owne bee;
but,” he said, “Sir, ffor certaintye
your Queene hath you betraine;
another Knight, soe god me speed,
begott this child sith you yeed,
& hath thy Queene forlaine.”
but,” he said, “Sir, ffor certaintye
your Queene hath you betraine;
another Knight, soe god me speed,
begott this child sith you yeed,
& hath thy Queene forlaine.”
“Alas!” said the King, “how may this bee?
for I betooke her vnto thee,
her to keepe in waile & woe;
& vnder thy keeping how fortuned this
that thou suffered her doe amisse?
alas, Marroccke! why did thou soe?”
“Sir,” said the steward, “blame not me;
for much mone shee made for thee,
as though shee had loued noe more;
for I betooke her vnto thee,
her to keepe in waile & woe;
& vnder thy keeping how fortuned this
that thou suffered her doe amisse?
alas, Marroccke! why did thou soe?”
“Sir,” said the steward, “blame not me;
for much mone shee made for thee,
as though shee had loued noe more;
“I trowed on her noe villanye
till I saw one lye her by,
as the Mele had wrought.
to him I came with Egar mood,
& slew the traitor as he stood;
full sore itt [me] forethought.
till I saw one lye her by,
as the Mele had wrought.
to him I came with Egar mood,
& slew the traitor as he stood;
full sore itt [me] forethought.
87
“then shee trowed shee shold be shent,
& promised me both Land & rent;
soe fayre shee me besought
to doe with her all my will
if that I wold [keepe] me still,
& tell you naught.”
& promised me both Land & rent;
soe fayre shee me besought
to doe with her all my will
if that I wold [keepe] me still,
& tell you naught.”
“of this,” said the King, “I haue great wonder;
for sorrow my hart will breake assunder!
why hath shee done amisse?
alas! to whome shall I me mone,
sith I haue lost my comlye Queene
that I was wont to kisse?”
for sorrow my hart will breake assunder!
why hath shee done amisse?
alas! to whome shall I me mone,
sith I haue lost my comlye Queene
that I was wont to kisse?”
the King said, “Marroccke, what is thy read?
it is best to turne to dead
my ladye that hath done me this;
now because that shee is false to mee,
I will neuer more her see,
nor deale with her, I-wisse.”
it is best to turne to dead
my ladye that hath done me this;
now because that shee is false to mee,
I will neuer more her see,
nor deale with her, I-wisse.”
the steward said, “Lord, doe not soe;
thou shalt neither burne ne sloe,
but doe as I you shall you tell.”
Marroccke sayd, “this councell I:
banish her out of your Land priuilye,
far into exile.
thou shalt neither burne ne sloe,
but doe as I you shall you tell.”
Marroccke sayd, “this councell I:
banish her out of your Land priuilye,
far into exile.
“deliuer her an ambling steede,
& an old Knight to her lead;
thus by my councell see yee doe;
& giue them some spending money
that may them out of the land bring;
I wold noe better then soe.
& an old Knight to her lead;
thus by my councell see yee doe;
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that may them out of the land bring;
I wold noe better then soe.
“& an other mans child shalbe you heyre,
itt were neither good nor fayre
but if itt were of your kin.”
then said the King, “soe mote I thee,
right as thou sayest, soe shall it bee,
& erst will I neuer blin.”
itt were neither good nor fayre
but if itt were of your kin.”
then said the King, “soe mote I thee,
right as thou sayest, soe shall it bee,
& erst will I neuer blin.”
Loe, now is exiled that good Queene;
but shee wist not what it did meane,
nor what made him to begin.
to speake to her he nay wold;
that made the Queenes hart full cold,
& that was great pittye & sin.
but shee wist not what it did meane,
nor what made him to begin.
to speake to her he nay wold;
that made the Queenes hart full cold,
& that was great pittye & sin.
he did her cloth in purple weede,
& set her on an old steed
that was both crooked & almost blinde;
he tooke her an old Knight,
kine to the Queene, Sir Rodger hight,
that was both curteous & kind.
& set her on an old steed
that was both crooked & almost blinde;
he tooke her an old Knight,
kine to the Queene, Sir Rodger hight,
that was both curteous & kind.
3 dayes he gaue them leaue to passe,
& after that day sett was,
if men might them find,
the Queene shold burned be starke dead
in a ffyer with flames redd:
this came of the stewards mind.
& after that day sett was,
if men might them find,
the Queene shold burned be starke dead
in a ffyer with flames redd:
this came of the stewards mind.
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40ty: florences for their expence
the King did giue them in his presence,
& comannded them to goe.
the Ladye mourned as shee shold dye;
for all this shee wist not whye
hee fared with her soe.
the King did giue them in his presence,
& comannded them to goe.
the Ladye mourned as shee shold dye;
for all this shee wist not whye
hee fared with her soe.
that good Knight comforted the Queene,
& said, “att gods will all must beene;
therfore, Madam, mourne you noe more.”
Sir Rodger for her hath much care,
[For ofte she mourned as she dyd fare,]
& cryed & sighed full sore;
& said, “att gods will all must beene;
therfore, Madam, mourne you noe more.”
Sir Rodger for her hath much care,
[For ofte she mourned as she dyd fare,]
& cryed & sighed full sore;
Lords, Knights, & ladyes gent
mourned for her when shee went,
& be-wayled her that season.
the Queene began to make sorrow & care
when shee from the King shold fare
with wrong, against all reason.
forth they went, in number 3,
Sir Rodger, the Queene, & his greyhound trulye;
ah! o worth wicked treason!
mourned for her when shee went,
& be-wayled her that season.
the Queene began to make sorrow & care
when shee from the King shold fare
with wrong, against all reason.
forth they went, in number 3,
Sir Rodger, the Queene, & his greyhound trulye;
ah! o worth wicked treason!
then thought the steward trulye
to doe the Queene a villanye,
& to worke with her his will.
he ordained him a companye
of his owne men priuilye
that wold assent him till;
to doe the Queene a villanye,
& to worke with her his will.
he ordained him a companye
of his owne men priuilye
that wold assent him till;
all vnder a Wood side they did lye
wheras the Queene shold passe by,
& held them wonderous still;
& there he thought verelye
his good Queene for to lye by,
his lusts for to fulfill.
wheras the Queene shold passe by,
& held them wonderous still;
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his good Queene for to lye by,
his lusts for to fulfill.
& when hee came into the wood,
Sir Rodger & the Queene soe good,
& there to passe with-out doubt;
with that they were ware of the steward,
how hee was coming to them ward
with a ffull great rout.
Sir Rodger & the Queene soe good,
& there to passe with-out doubt;
with that they were ware of the steward,
how hee was coming to them ward
with a ffull great rout.
“heere is treason!” then said the Queene.
“alas!” said Roger, “what may this meane?
with foes wee be sett round about.”
the Knight sayd, “heere will wee dwell;
Our liffe wee shall full deere sell,
be they neuer soe stout.
“alas!” said Roger, “what may this meane?
with foes wee be sett round about.”
the Knight sayd, “heere will wee dwell;
Our liffe wee shall full deere sell,
be they neuer soe stout.
“Madam,” he sayd, “be not affrayd,
for I thinke heere with this sword
that I shall make them lowte.”
then cryed the steward to Sir Rodger on hye,
& said, “Lord, traitor! thou shalt dye!
for that I goe about.”
for I thinke heere with this sword
that I shall make them lowte.”
then cryed the steward to Sir Rodger on hye,
& said, “Lord, traitor! thou shalt dye!
for that I goe about.”
Sir Rodger said, “not for thee!
my death shalt thou deare abye;
for with thee will I fight.”
he went to him shortlye,
& old Sir Rodger bare him manfullye
like a full hardye Knight;
my death shalt thou deare abye;
for with thee will I fight.”
he went to him shortlye,
& old Sir Rodger bare him manfullye
like a full hardye Knight;
he hewed on them boldlye;
there was none of that companye
soe hardye nor sow wight.
Sir Rodger hitt one on the head
that to the girdle the sword yeed,
then was hee of them quitte;
there was none of that companye
soe hardye nor sow wight.
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that to the girdle the sword yeed,
then was hee of them quitte;
he smote a stroke with a sword good
that all about them ran the blood,
soe sore he did them smite;
trulye-hee, his greyhound that was soo good,
did helpe his master, & by him stood,
& bitterlye can hee byte.
that all about them ran the blood,
soe sore he did them smite;
trulye-hee, his greyhound that was soo good,
did helpe his master, & by him stood,
& bitterlye can hee byte.
then that Lady, that fayre foode,
she feared Marrocke in her mood;
shee light on foote, & left her steede,
& ran fast, & wold not leaue,
& hid her vnder a greene greaue,
for shee was in great dread.
she feared Marrocke in her mood;
shee light on foote, & left her steede,
& ran fast, & wold not leaue,
& hid her vnder a greene greaue,
for shee was in great dread.
Sir Rodger then the Queene can behold,
& of his liffe he did nothing hold;
his good grayhound did help him indeed,
&, as itt is in the romans told,
14 he slew of yeomen bold;
soe he quitted him in that steade.
& of his liffe he did nothing hold;
his good grayhound did help him indeed,
&, as itt is in the romans told,
14 he slew of yeomen bold;
soe he quitted him in that steade.
if hee had beene armed, I-wisse
all the Masterye had been his;
alas hee lacked weed.
as good Sir Rodger gaue a stroake,
behind him came Sir Marroccke,—
that euill might he speed,—
all the Masterye had been his;
alas hee lacked weed.
as good Sir Rodger gaue a stroake,
behind him came Sir Marroccke,—
that euill might he speed,—
92
he smote Sir Rodger with a speare,
& to the ground he did him beare,
& fast that Knight did bleed.
Sir Marroccke gaue him such a wound
that he dyed there on ground,
& that was a sinfull deede.
& to the ground he did him beare,
& fast that Knight did bleed.
Sir Marroccke gaue him such a wound
that he dyed there on ground,
& that was a sinfull deede.
now is Rodger slaine certainlye.
he rode forth & let him Lye,
& sought after the Queene.
fast hee rode, & sought euerye way,
yet wist he not where the Queene Laye.
then said the traitor teene;
he rode forth & let him Lye,
& sought after the Queene.
fast hee rode, & sought euerye way,
yet wist he not where the Queene Laye.
then said the traitor teene;
ouer all the wood hee her sought;
but as god wold, he found her nought.
then waxed he wrath, I weene,
& held his Iourney euill besett,
that with the Queene had not mett
to haue had his pleasure, the traitor keene.
but as god wold, he found her nought.
then waxed he wrath, I weene,
& held his Iourney euill besett,
that with the Queene had not mett
to haue had his pleasure, the traitor keene.
& when he cold not the lady finde,
homeward they began to wend,
hard by where Sir Rodger Lay.
the steward him thrust throughout,
for of his death he had noe doubt,
& this the storye doth say.
homeward they began to wend,
hard by where Sir Rodger Lay.
the steward him thrust throughout,
for of his death he had noe doubt,
& this the storye doth say.
& when the traitor had done soe,
he let him lye & went him froe,
& tooke noe thought that day;
yett all his companye was nye gone,
14 he left there dead for one;
there passed but 4 away.
he let him lye & went him froe,
& tooke noe thought that day;
yett all his companye was nye gone,
14 he left there dead for one;
there passed but 4 away.
93
then the Queene was ffull woe,
And shee saw that they were goe,
shee made sorrow & crye.
then shee rose & went againe
to Sir Rodger, & found him slaine;
his grey-hound by his feet did lye.
And shee saw that they were goe,
shee made sorrow & crye.
then shee rose & went againe
to Sir Rodger, & found him slaine;
his grey-hound by his feet did lye.
“alas,” shee said, “that I was borne!
my trew knight that I haue lorne,
they haue him there slaine!”
full pitteouslye shee mad her moane,
& said, “now must I goe alone!”
the grey-hound shee wold haue had full faine;
my trew knight that I haue lorne,
they haue him there slaine!”
full pitteouslye shee mad her moane,
& said, “now must I goe alone!”
the grey-hound shee wold haue had full faine;
the hound still by his Master did lye,
he licked his wounds, & did whine & crye.
this to see the Queene had paine,
& said, “Sir Roger, this hast thou for me!
alas that [it] shold euer bee!”
her hayre shee tare in twayne;
he licked his wounds, & did whine & crye.
this to see the Queene had paine,
& said, “Sir Roger, this hast thou for me!
alas that [it] shold euer bee!”
her hayre shee tare in twayne;
& then shee went & tooke her steed,
& wold noe longer there abyde
lest men shold find her there.
shee said, “Sir Roger, now thou art dead,
who will the right way now me lead?
for now thow mayst speake noe more.”
& wold noe longer there abyde
lest men shold find her there.
shee said, “Sir Roger, now thou art dead,
who will the right way now me lead?
for now thow mayst speake noe more.”
right on the ground there as he lay dead,
shee kist him or shee from him yead.
god wott her hart was sore!
what for sorrow & dread,
fast away shee can her speede,
shee wist not wither nor where.
shee kist him or shee from him yead.
god wott her hart was sore!
what for sorrow & dread,
fast away shee can her speede,
shee wist not wither nor where.
94
the good grayhound for waile & woe
from the Knight hee wold not goe,
but Lay & licked his wound;
he waite to haue healed them againe,
& therto he did his paine:
loe, such loue is in a hound!
from the Knight hee wold not goe,
but Lay & licked his wound;
he waite to haue healed them againe,
& therto he did his paine:
loe, such loue is in a hound!
this knight lay till he did stinke;
the greayhound he began to thinke,
& scraped a pitt anon;
therin he drew the dead corse,
& couered itt with earth & Mosse,
& from him he wold not gone.
the greayhound he began to thinke,
& scraped a pitt anon;
therin he drew the dead corse,
& couered itt with earth & Mosse,
& from him he wold not gone.
the grayhound lay still there;
this Queene gan forth to fare
for dread of her fone;
shee had great sorrow in her hart,
the thornes pricked her wonderous smart,
shee wist not wither to goe.
this Queene gan forth to fare
for dread of her fone;
shee had great sorrow in her hart,
the thornes pricked her wonderous smart,
shee wist not wither to goe.
this lady forth fast can hye
into the land of Hugarye;
thither came shee with great woe.
at last shee came to a wood side,
but then cold shee noe further ryde,
her paynes tooke her soe.
into the land of Hugarye;
thither came shee with great woe.
at last shee came to a wood side,
but then cold shee noe further ryde,
her paynes tooke her soe.
shee lighted downe in that tyde,
for there shee did her trauncell abyde;
god wold that it shold be soe.
then shee with much paine
tyed her horsse by the rayne,
& rested her there till her paynes were goe.
for there shee did her trauncell abyde;
god wold that it shold be soe.
then shee with much paine
tyed her horsse by the rayne,
& rested her there till her paynes were goe.
95
shee was deliuered of a manchild sweete;
& when it began to crye & weepe,
it ioyed her hart greatlye.
soone after, when shee might stirr,
shee tooke her child to her full neere,
And wrapt itt full softlye.
& when it began to crye & weepe,
it ioyed her hart greatlye.
soone after, when shee might stirr,
shee tooke her child to her full neere,
And wrapt itt full softlye.
What for wearye & for woe,
they fell a-sleepe both towe;
her steed stood her behind.
then came a knight rydand there,
& found this ladye soe louelye of cheere
as hee hunted after the hind.
they fell a-sleepe both towe;
her steed stood her behind.
then came a knight rydand there,
& found this ladye soe louelye of cheere
as hee hunted after the hind.
the Knight hight Bernard Mowswinge,
that found the Queene sleepinge,
vnder the greenwoode lyande.
softlye he went neere & neere;
he went on foot, & beheld her cheere,
as a Knight curteous & kind.
that found the Queene sleepinge,
vnder the greenwoode lyande.
softlye he went neere & neere;
he went on foot, & beheld her cheere,
as a Knight curteous & kind.
he awaked that ladye of beawtye;
shee looked on him pitteouslee,
& was affrayd full sore.
he said, “what doe you here, Madame?
of whence be you, or whats your name?
haue you your men forlorne?”
shee looked on him pitteouslee,
& was affrayd full sore.
he said, “what doe you here, Madame?
of whence be you, or whats your name?
haue you your men forlorne?”
“Sir,” shee sayd, “if you will witt,
my name is called Margerett;
in Arragon I was borne;
heere I sufferd much greefe;
helpe me, Sir, out of this Mischeefe!
att some towne that I were.”
my name is called Margerett;
in Arragon I was borne;
heere I sufferd much greefe;
helpe me, Sir, out of this Mischeefe!
att some towne that I were.”
96
the Knight beheld the Ladye good;
hee thought shee was of gentle blood
that was soe hard bestead;
he tooke her vp curteouslye,
& the child that lay her bye;
them both with him he led,
hee thought shee was of gentle blood
that was soe hard bestead;
he tooke her vp curteouslye,
& the child that lay her bye;
them both with him he led,
& made her haue a woman att will,
tendinge of her, as itt was skill,
all for to bring her a-bedd.
whatsoeuer shee wold haue,
shee needed itt not long to craue,
her speech was right soone sped.
tendinge of her, as itt was skill,
all for to bring her a-bedd.
whatsoeuer shee wold haue,
shee needed itt not long to craue,
her speech was right soone sped.
thé christened the child with great honour,
& named him Sir Tryamore.
then they were of him glad;
great gifts to him was giuen
of Lords & ladyes by-deene,
in bookes as I read.
& named him Sir Tryamore.
then they were of him glad;
great gifts to him was giuen
of Lords & ladyes by-deene,
in bookes as I read.
there dwelled that Ladye longe
with much Ioy them amonge;
of her thé were neuer wearye.
the child was taught great nurterye;
a Master had him vnder his care,
& taught him curtesie.
this child waxed wonderous well,
of great stature both of fleshe & fell;
euerye man loued him trulye,
with much Ioy them amonge;
of her thé were neuer wearye.
the child was taught great nurterye;
a Master had him vnder his care,
& taught him curtesie.
this child waxed wonderous well,
of great stature both of fleshe & fell;
euerye man loued him trulye,
of his companye all folke were glad;
indeed, noe other cause they had,
the child was gentle & bold.
Now of the Queene let wee bee,
& of the grayhound speake wee
that I erst of told.
indeed, noe other cause they had,
the child was gentle & bold.
97
& of the grayhound speake wee
that I erst of told.
long 7 yeeres, soe god me saue,
he did keepe his Masters graue,
till that hee waxed old;
this Gray-hound Sir Roger kept long,
& brought him vp sith he was younge,
in story as it is told;
he did keepe his Masters graue,
till that hee waxed old;
this Gray-hound Sir Roger kept long,
& brought him vp sith he was younge,
in story as it is told;
therfore he kept soe there
for the space of 7 yeere,
& goe from him he ne wold.
euer vpon his Masters graue he lay,
there might noe man haue him away
for heat neither for cold,
for the space of 7 yeere,
& goe from him he ne wold.
euer vpon his Masters graue he lay,
there might noe man haue him away
for heat neither for cold,
without it were once a day
he ran about to gett his prey
of beasts that were bold,
conyes, when he can them gett;
thus wold he labor for his meate,
yett great hungar he had in how.
he ran about to gett his prey
of beasts that were bold,
conyes, when he can them gett;
thus wold he labor for his meate,
yett great hungar he had in how.
& 7 yeeres he dwelled there,
till itt beffell on that yeere,
euen on christmasse day,
the gray-hound (as the story sayes)
came to the Kings palace
without any delay.
when they Lords were sett at meate, soone
the grayhound into the hall runn
amonge the knights gay;
till itt beffell on that yeere,
euen on christmasse day,
the gray-hound (as the story sayes)
came to the Kings palace
without any delay.
98
the grayhound into the hall runn
amonge the knights gay;
all about he can behold,
but he see not what hee wold;
then went he his way full right
when he had sought & cold not find;
ffull gentlye he did his kind,
speed better when he might.
but he see not what hee wold;
then went he his way full right
when he had sought & cold not find;
ffull gentlye he did his kind,
speed better when he might.
the grayhound ran forth his way
till he came where his Master Lay,
as fast as euer he mought.
the king marueiled at that deed,
from whence he went, & whither he yeed,
or who him thither brought.
till he came where his Master Lay,
as fast as euer he mought.
the king marueiled at that deed,
from whence he went, & whither he yeed,
or who him thither brought.
the King thought he had seene him ere,
but he wist not well where,
therfor he said right nought.
soone he bethought him then
that he did him erst ken,
& still stayd in that thought.
but he wist not well where,
therfor he said right nought.
soone he bethought him then
that he did him erst ken,
& still stayd in that thought.
the other day, in the same wise,
when the King shold from his meate rise,
the Grayhound came in thoe;
all about there he sought,
but the steward found he nought;
then againe he began to goe.
when the King shold from his meate rise,
the Grayhound came in thoe;
all about there he sought,
but the steward found he nought;
then againe he began to goe.
the[n] sayd the King in that stond,
“methinkes it is Sir Rogers hound
that went forth with the Queene;
I trow they be come againe to this land.
Lords, all this I vnderstand,
it may right well soe bee;
“methinkes it is Sir Rogers hound
that went forth with the Queene;
I trow they be come againe to this land.
Lords, all this I vnderstand,
it may right well soe bee;
99
“if that they be into this Land come,
we shall haue word therof soone
& within short space;
for neuer since thé went I-wisse
I saw not the gray hound ere this;
it is a marueilous case!
we shall haue word therof soone
& within short space;
for neuer since thé went I-wisse
I saw not the gray hound ere this;
it is a marueilous case!
“when he cometh againe, follow him,
fo[r] euermore he will run
to his Masters dwelling place;
run & goe, looke ye not spare,
till that yee come there
to Sir Rodger & my Queene.”
fo[r] euermore he will run
to his Masters dwelling place;
run & goe, looke ye not spare,
till that yee come there
to Sir Rodger & my Queene.”
then the 3d. day, amonge them all
the grayhound came into the hall,
to meate ere thé were sett.
Marrocke the steward was within,
the grayhound thought he wold not blin
till he with him had mett;
the grayhound came into the hall,
to meate ere thé were sett.
Marrocke the steward was within,
the grayhound thought he wold not blin
till he with him had mett;
he tooke the steward by the throte,
& assunder he it bote;
but then he wold not byde,
for to his graue he rann.
there follolwed him many a man.
some on horsse, some beside;
& assunder he it bote;
but then he wold not byde,
for to his graue he rann.
there follolwed him many a man.
some on horsse, some beside;
& when he came where his Master was,
he Layd him downe beside the grasse
And barked at the men againe.
there might noe man him from the place gett,
& yett with staues thé did him beate,
that he was almost slaine.
he Layd him downe beside the grasse
And barked at the men againe.
there might noe man him from the place gett,
& yett with staues thé did him beate,
that he was almost slaine.
100
& when the men saw noe better boote,
then the men yeed home on horsse & foote,
with great wonder, I weene.
the King said, “by gods paine,
I trow Sir Marrocke hath Sir Rodger slaine,
& with treason famed my Queene.
then the men yeed home on horsse & foote,
with great wonder, I weene.
the King said, “by gods paine,
I trow Sir Marrocke hath Sir Rodger slaine,
& with treason famed my Queene.
“goe yee & seeke there againe;
for the hounds Master there is slaine,
some treason there hath beene.”
thither they went, soe god me saue,
& found Sir Roger in his graue,
for that was soone seene:
for the hounds Master there is slaine,
some treason there hath beene.”
thither they went, soe god me saue,
& found Sir Roger in his graue,
for that was soone seene:
& there they looked him there vpon,
for he was hole both flesh & bone,
& to the court his body they brought.
for when the King did him see,
the teares ran downe from his eye,
full sore itt him forethought.
for he was hole both flesh & bone,
& to the court his body they brought.
for when the King did him see,
the teares ran downe from his eye,
full sore itt him forethought.
the grayhound he wold not from his course fare:
then was the King cast in care,
& said, “Marroccke hath done me teene;
slaine he hath a curteous Knight,
& fained my Queene with great vnright,
as a traitor keene.”
then was the King cast in care,
& said, “Marroccke hath done me teene;
slaine he hath a curteous Knight,
& fained my Queene with great vnright,
as a traitor keene.”
the King let draw anon-right
the stewards bodye, that false Knight,
with horsse through the towne;
then he hanged him on a tree,
that all men might his body see,
that he had done treason.
Sir Rogers Body the next day
the King buryed in good array,
with many a bold baron.
the stewards bodye, that false Knight,
with horsse through the towne;
then he hanged him on a tree,
that all men might his body see,
that he had done treason.
101
the King buryed in good array,
with many a bold baron.
the Grayhound was neuer away
by night nor yet by day,
but on the ground he did dye.
the King did send his messengere
in euerye place far & neere
after the Queene to spye;
but for ought he cold enquire,
he cold of that Ladye nothing heare;
therfore the King was sorrye.
by night nor yet by day,
but on the ground he did dye.
the King did send his messengere
in euerye place far & neere
after the Queene to spye;
but for ought he cold enquire,
he cold of that Ladye nothing heare;
therfore the King was sorrye.
the King sayd, “I trow noe reed,
for well I wott that shee is dead;
for sorrowe now shall I dye!
alas, that euer shee from mee went!
this false steward hath me shent
throughe his false treacherye.”
for well I wott that shee is dead;
for sorrowe now shall I dye!
alas, that euer shee from mee went!
this false steward hath me shent
throughe his false treacherye.”
this King liued in great sorrow
both euening & morrow
till that hee were brought to ground.
he liued thus many a yeere
with mourning & with euill cheere,
his sorrowes lasted long:
both euening & morrow
till that hee were brought to ground.
he liued thus many a yeere
with mourning & with euill cheere,
his sorrowes lasted long:
& euer it did him great paine
when hee did thinke how Sir Roger was slaine,
& how helped him his hound;
& of his Queene that was soe Mylde,
how shee went from him great with child;
for woe then did hee sound.
when hee did thinke how Sir Roger was slaine,
& how helped him his hound;
& of his Queene that was soe Mylde,
how shee went from him great with child;
for woe then did hee sound.
102
long time thus liued the King
in great sorrow & Mourning,
& oftentime did weepe;
he tooke great thought more & more,
It made his hart verrye sore,
his sighs were sett soe deepe.
in great sorrow & Mourning,
& oftentime did weepe;
he tooke great thought more & more,
It made his hart verrye sore,
his sighs were sett soe deepe.
now of the King wee will bline,
& of the Queene let vs begin,
& Sir Tryamore;
for when he was 14 yeere old,
there was noe man soe bold
durst doe him dishonor;
& of the Queene let vs begin,
& Sir Tryamore;
for when he was 14 yeere old,
there was noe man soe bold
durst doe him dishonor;
in euerye time both stout & stronge,
& in stature large & longe,
comlye of hye color;
all that euer he dwelled amonge,
he neuer did none of them wronge,
the more that was his honor.
& in stature large & longe,
comlye of hye color;
all that euer he dwelled amonge,
he neuer did none of them wronge,
the more that was his honor.
in that time sikerlye
dyed the King of Hungarye
that was of great age I-wiss;
he had no heire his land to hold
but a daughter was 14 yeers old;
faire [Hellen] shee named is.
dyed the King of Hungarye
that was of great age I-wiss;
he had no heire his land to hold
but a daughter was 14 yeers old;
faire [Hellen] shee named is.
shee was as white as lilye flower,
& comely, of gay color,
the fairest of any towne or tower;
shee was well shapen of foote & hand,
peere shee had none in noe land,
shee was soe fresh & soe amorous.
& comely, of gay color,
the fairest of any towne or tower;
103
peere shee had none in noe land,
shee was soe fresh & soe amorous.
for when her father was dead,
great warr began to spread
in that land about;
then the Ladyes councell gan her reade,
‘gett her a lord her land to lead,
to rule the realme without doubt;
some mightye prince that well might
rule her land with reason & right,
that all men to him might Lout.’
great warr began to spread
in that land about;
then the Ladyes councell gan her reade,
‘gett her a lord her land to lead,
to rule the realme without doubt;
some mightye prince that well might
rule her land with reason & right,
that all men to him might Lout.’
& when her councell had sayd soe,
for great need shee had therto,
shee graunted them without Lye:
the Lady said, “I will not feare
but he [be] prince or princes peere,
& cheefe of all chiualrye.”
for great need shee had therto,
shee graunted them without Lye:
the Lady said, “I will not feare
but he [be] prince or princes peere,
& cheefe of all chiualrye.”
therto shee did consent,
& gaue her Lords commandement
a great Iusting for to crye;
& at the Iustine, shold soe bee,
what man that shold win the degree,
shold win that Ladye trulye.
& gaue her Lords commandement
a great Iusting for to crye;
& at the Iustine, shold soe bee,
what man that shold win the degree,
shold win that Ladye trulye.
the day of Iusting then was sett,
halfe a yeere without lett,
without any more delay,
because thé might haue good space,
Lords, knights, dukes, in euerye place,
for to be there that day.
halfe a yeere without lett,
without any more delay,
because thé might haue good space,
Lords, knights, dukes, in euerye place,
for to be there that day.
104
Lords, the best in euerye Land,
hard tell of that rydand,
& made them readye full gay;
of euerye land there was the best,
of the States that were honest
attyred many a Lady gay.
hard tell of that rydand,
& made them readye full gay;
of euerye land there was the best,
of the States that were honest
attyred many a Lady gay.
great was that chiualrye
that came that time to Hungarye,
there for to Iust with might.
at last Triamore hard tyding
that there shold be a Iusting;
thither wold he wend.
that came that time to Hungarye,
there for to Iust with might.
at last Triamore hard tyding
that there shold be a Iusting;
thither wold he wend.
if he wist that he might gaine
with all his might, he wold be faine
that gay Ladye for to win;
hee had noe horsse nay noe other geere,
Nor noe weapon with him to beare;
that brake his hart in twaine.
with all his might, he wold be faine
that gay Ladye for to win;
hee had noe horsse nay noe other geere,
Nor noe weapon with him to beare;
that brake his hart in twaine.
he thought both euen & morrow
where he might some armour borrowe,
therof wold hee be faine.
to Sir Barnard then he can wend,
that he wold armour lend
to iust against the knights amaine.
where he might some armour borrowe,
therof wold hee be faine.
to Sir Barnard then he can wend,
that he wold armour lend
to iust against the knights amaine.
then said Sir Barnard, “what hast thou thought?
pardew! of iusting thou canst nought!
for yee bee not able wepon to weld.”
“Sir,” said Triamore, “what wott yee
of what strenght that I bee
till I haue assayd in feeld?”
pardew! of iusting thou canst nought!
for yee bee not able wepon to weld.”
“Sir,” said Triamore, “what wott yee
of what strenght that I bee
till I haue assayd in feeld?”
105
then Sir Barnard that was full hend,
said, “Triamor, if thow wilt wend,
thou shalt lacke noe weed;
I will lend thee all my geere,
horsse & harneis, sheild & spere,
thou art nothing to dread;
said, “Triamor, if thow wilt wend,
thou shalt lacke noe weed;
I will lend thee all my geere,
horsse & harneis, sheild & spere,
thou art nothing to dread;
“alsoe thither with thee will I ryde,
& euer nye be by thy side
to helpe thee if thou haue need;
all things that thow wilt haue,
gold & siluer, if thow wilt craue,
thy Iourney for to speed.”
& euer nye be by thy side
to helpe thee if thou haue need;
all things that thow wilt haue,
gold & siluer, if thow wilt craue,
thy Iourney for to speed.”
then was Triamore glad & light,
& thanked Barnard with all his might
of his great proferinge.
that day the Iusting shold bee,
Triamore sett him on his knee
& asked his mother blessinge.
& thanked Barnard with all his might
of his great proferinge.
that day the Iusting shold bee,
Triamore sett him on his knee
& asked his mother blessinge.
at home shee wold haue kept him faine;
but all her labor was in vaine,
there might be noe letting.
shee saw it wold noe better bee,
her blessing shee gaue him verelye
w[i]th full sore weepinge.
but all her labor was in vaine,
there might be noe letting.
shee saw it wold noe better bee,
her blessing shee gaue him verelye
w[i]th full sore weepinge.
& when it was on the Morrow day,
Triamore was in good array,
armed & well dight;
when he was sett on his steed,
he was a man both lenght & bread,
& goodlye in mans sight.
Triamore was in good array,
armed & well dight;
when he was sett on his steed,
he was a man both lenght & bread,
& goodlye in mans sight.
106
then Triamore to the feeld can ryde,
& Sir Barnard by his side;
they were Iocund & light;
there was none in all the feild
that was more seemlye vnder sheild;
he rode full like a knight.
& Sir Barnard by his side;
they were Iocund & light;
there was none in all the feild
that was more seemlye vnder sheild;
he rode full like a knight.
then was the faire Lady sett
full hye vppon a turrett,
for to behold that play;
there was many a seemlye Knight,
princes, Lords, & dukes of Might,
themselues for to assay,
full hye vppon a turrett,
for to behold that play;
there was many a seemlye Knight,
princes, Lords, & dukes of Might,
themselues for to assay,
with helme on theire heads bright
that all the feelds shone with light,
they were soe stout & gay:
then Sir triamore & Sir Barnard
thé pressed them into the feeld forward,
there durst noe man say nay.
that all the feelds shone with light,
they were soe stout & gay:
then Sir triamore & Sir Barnard
thé pressed them into the feeld forward,
there durst noe man say nay.
there was much price & pride
when euerye man to other can ryde,
& lords of great renowne;
it beffell triamore that tyde
for to be on his fathers side,
the King of Arragon.
when euerye man to other can ryde,
& lords of great renowne;
it beffell triamore that tyde
for to be on his fathers side,
the King of Arragon.
the first that rode forth certainlye
was a great Lord of Lumbardye,
a wonderfull bold Barron.
Triamor rode him againe:
for all that lord had Might & maine,
the child bare him downe.
was a great Lord of Lumbardye,
a wonderfull bold Barron.
Triamor rode him againe:
for all that lord had Might & maine,
the child bare him downe.
107
then cryed Sir Barnard with honor.
“A triamor, a triamore!”
for men shold him ken.
Mayd Hellen that was soe mild,
more shee beheld triamore the child
then all the other men.
“A triamor, a triamore!”
for men shold him ken.
Mayd Hellen that was soe mild,
more shee beheld triamore the child
then all the other men.
then the Kings sonne of Nauarrne
wold not his body warne;
he pricked forth on the plaine.
then young Triamore that was stout,
turned himselfe round about,
& fast rode him againe;
wold not his body warne;
he pricked forth on the plaine.
then young Triamore that was stout,
turned himselfe round about,
& fast rode him againe;
soe neither of them were to ground cast,
they sate soe wonderous fast,
like men of much might.
then came forth a Bachelour,
a prince proud without peere;
Sir Iames, forsooth, he hight;
they sate soe wonderous fast,
like men of much might.
then came forth a Bachelour,
a prince proud without peere;
Sir Iames, forsooth, he hight;
he was the Emperours sonne of Almaigne;
he rode Sir triamore againe,
with hard strenght to fight.
Sir Iames had such a stroake indeed
that he was tumbled from his steed;
then failed all his might.
there men might see swords brast,
helmes ne sheilds might not last;
& thus it dured till night;
he rode Sir triamore againe,
with hard strenght to fight.
Sir Iames had such a stroake indeed
that he was tumbled from his steed;
then failed all his might.
there men might see swords brast,
helmes ne sheilds might not last;
& thus it dured till night;
108
but when the sun drew neere west,
and all the Lords went to rerst,
[Not so the maide Elyne.]
the Knights attired them in good arraye,
on steeds great, with trappers gaye,
before the sun can shine;
and all the Lords went to rerst,
[Not so the maide Elyne.]
the Knights attired them in good arraye,
on steeds great, with trappers gaye,
before the sun can shine;
then to the feeld thé pricked prest,
& euerye man thought himselfe best
[As the mayden faire they paste.]
then they feirclye ran together,
great speres in peeces did shimmer,
their timber might not last.
& euerye man thought himselfe best
[As the mayden faire they paste.]
then they feirclye ran together,
great speres in peeces did shimmer,
their timber might not last.
& at that time there did run
the King Arradas of Arragon:
his sonne Triiamore mett him in that tyde,
& gaue his father such a rebound
that harse & man fell to the ground,
soe stoutlye gan he ryde.
the King Arradas of Arragon:
his sonne Triiamore mett him in that tyde,
& gaue his father such a rebound
that harse & man fell to the ground,
soe stoutlye gan he ryde.
then the next Knight that hee mett
was Sir Iames; & such a stroake him sett
vpon the sheild ther on the plaine
that the blood brast out at his nose & eares,
his steed vnto the ground him beares;
then was Sir Barnard faine.
was Sir Iames; & such a stroake him sett
vpon the sheild ther on the plaine
that the blood brast out at his nose & eares,
his steed vnto the ground him beares;
then was Sir Barnard faine.
that Maid of great honor
sett her loue on younge triamore
that fought alwayes as a feirce Lyon.
speres that day many were spent,
& with swords there was many a stripe lent,
till the[re] failed light of the sunn.
sett her loue on younge triamore
that fought alwayes as a feirce Lyon.
109
& with swords there was many a stripe lent,
till the[re] failed light of the sunn.
on the Morrow all they were faine
for to come into the feild againe
with great spere & sheild.
then the Duke of Siuille, Sir Phylar,
that was a doughtye knight in euerye warr,
he rode first into the feild;
for to come into the feild againe
with great spere & sheild.
then the Duke of Siuille, Sir Phylar,
that was a doughtye knight in euerye warr,
he rode first into the feild;
& Triamore tooke his spere,
against the Duke he can it beare,
& smote him in the sheild;
a-sunder in 2 peeces it went;
& then many a louelye Lady gent,
full well they him beheld.
against the Duke he can it beare,
& smote him in the sheild;
a-sunder in 2 peeces it went;
& then many a louelye Lady gent,
full well they him beheld.
then came forth a Knight that hight Terrey,
hee was a great Lord of Surrey,
he thought Noble Triamore to assayle;
& Triamore rode to him blithe
in all the strenght that he might driue,
he thought he wold not fayle;
hee was a great Lord of Surrey,
he thought Noble Triamore to assayle;
& Triamore rode to him blithe
in all the strenght that he might driue,
he thought he wold not fayle;
he smote him soe in that stond
that horsse & man fell to the ground,
soe sore his stroke he sett.
that horsse & man fell to the ground,
soe sore his stroke he sett.
then durst noe man att triamore [ride,]
for fortune held all on his side
all those dayes 3.
Sir Iames, sonne vnto the Emperour,
had enuye to Sir Triamore,
and laid wait for him priuilye.
for fortune held all on his side
all those dayes 3.
110
had enuye to Sir Triamore,
and laid wait for him priuilye.
att the last Triamore came ryding bye.
Sir Iames said, “Triamore! thou shalt dye,
for thou hast done me shame.”
he rode to Triamore with a spere,
& thorrow the thigh he can him beare;
he had almost him slaine.
Sir Iames said, “Triamore! thou shalt dye,
for thou hast done me shame.”
he rode to Triamore with a spere,
& thorrow the thigh he can him beare;
he had almost him slaine.
but Tryamore hitt him in the head
that he fell downe starke dead.
then was all his men woe;
then wold they haue slaine Tryamore
without he had had great succour;
they purposed to doe soe.
that he fell downe starke dead.
then was all his men woe;
then wold they haue slaine Tryamore
without he had had great succour;
they purposed to doe soe.
with that came King Arradas then,
& reschued Tryamore with all his men,
that stood in great doubt.
then Sir Barnard was full woe
that Tryamore was hurt soe;
then to his owne house he him brought.
& reschued Tryamore with all his men,
that stood in great doubt.
then Sir Barnard was full woe
that Tryamore was hurt soe;
then to his owne house he him brought.
but when the Mother saw her sonns wound,
shee fell downe for sorrow to the ground,
& after a Leeche shee sent.
of this, all the Lords that were Iustinge,
to the pallace made highinge,
& to that Ladye went.
shee fell downe for sorrow to the ground,
& after a Leeche shee sent.
of this, all the Lords that were Iustinge,
to the pallace made highinge,
& to that Ladye went.
111
truly, as the story sayes,
thé pricked forth to the pallace
the Ladyes will to heare,
Bachelours & knights prest,
that shee might choose of them the best
which to her faynest were.
thé pricked forth to the pallace
the Ladyes will to heare,
Bachelours & knights prest,
that shee might choose of them the best
which to her faynest were.
the Ladye beheld all that fayre Meanye,
but Tryamore shee cold not see:
tho chaunged all her cheere,
then shee sayd “Lord, where is hee
that euerye day wan the degree?
I chuse him to my peere.”
but Tryamore shee cold not see:
tho chaunged all her cheere,
then shee sayd “Lord, where is hee
that euerye day wan the degree?
I chuse him to my peere.”
al about thé Tryamore sought;
he was ryddn home; thé found him nought;
then was that Ladye woe.
the Knights were afore her brought,
& of respite shee them besought,
a yeare & noe more:
he was ryddn home; thé found him nought;
then was that Ladye woe.
the Knights were afore her brought,
& of respite shee them besought,
a yeare & noe more:
shee said, “Lords, soe god me saue!
he that wan me, he shall me haue;
ye wot well that my cry was soe.”
thé all consented her vntill,
for shee said Nothing ill,
thé said it shold be soe.
he that wan me, he shall me haue;
ye wot well that my cry was soe.”
thé all consented her vntill,
for shee said Nothing ill,
thé said it shold be soe.
for when they had all sayd,
then answered that fayre Mayd,
“I will haue none but Tryamore.”
then all the Lords that were present
tooke their Leaue, & home went;
there wan thé litle honor.
then answered that fayre Mayd,
“I will haue none but Tryamore.”
then all the Lords that were present
tooke their Leaue, & home went;
there wan thé litle honor.
112
Sir Iames men were nothing faine
because their Master, he was slaine,
That was soe stout in stowre;
in chaire his body thé Layd,
& led him home, as I haue sayd,
vnto his father the Emperour;
because their Master, he was slaine,
That was soe stout in stowre;
in chaire his body thé Layd,
& led him home, as I haue sayd,
vnto his father the Emperour;
& when that hee his sonne gan see,
a sorrye man then was hee,
& asked ‘who had done that dishonor?’
thé sayd “wee [ne] wott who it is I-wisse,
but Sir Tryamore he named is,
soe thé called him in the crye;
a sorrye man then was hee,
& asked ‘who had done that dishonor?’
thé sayd “wee [ne] wott who it is I-wisse,
but Sir Tryamore he named is,
soe thé called him in the crye;
“the King of Arragon alsoe,
he helped thy sonne to sloe,
with all his companye.”
they said, “thé be good warryoirs;
they byte vs with sharpe showers
with great villanye.”
he helped thy sonne to sloe,
with all his companye.”
they said, “thé be good warryoirs;
they byte vs with sharpe showers
with great villanye.”
“Alas!” said the Emperour,
“till I be reuenged on that traytour,
now shall I neuer cease!
thé shall haue many a sharpe shower,
both the King & Tryamore,
they shall neuer haue peace!”
“till I be reuenged on that traytour,
now shall I neuer cease!
thé shall haue many a sharpe shower,
both the King & Tryamore,
they shall neuer haue peace!”
the Emperour sayd thé shold repent;
& after great companye he sent
of princes bold in presse,
Dukes, Earles, & lords of price.
with a great armye, the Duke sayes,
thé yeed to Arragon without lesse.
& after great companye he sent
of princes bold in presse,
Dukes, Earles, & lords of price.
with a great armye, the Duke sayes,
thé yeed to Arragon without lesse.
113
King Arradas was a-dread
for the Emperour such power had,
that battell hee wold him bid;
he saw his land nye ouer-gon,
& to a castle hee fledd anon,
& victualls it for dread.
for the Emperour such power had,
that battell hee wold him bid;
he saw his land nye ouer-gon,
& to a castle hee fledd anon,
& victualls it for dread.
the Emperour was bold & stout,
& beseeged the castle about;
his banner he began to spread,
& arrayd his host full well & wiselye,
with wepons strong & mightye
he thought to make them dread.
& beseeged the castle about;
his banner he began to spread,
& arrayd his host full well & wiselye,
with wepons strong & mightye
he thought to make them dread.
the Emperour was bold & stout,
& beseeged the castle about,
& his banner he gan to spread;
he gaue assault to the hold.
King Arradas was stout & bold,
ordayned him full well.
& beseeged the castle about,
& his banner he gan to spread;
he gaue assault to the hold.
King Arradas was stout & bold,
ordayned him full well.
with gunes & great stones round
were throwne downe to the ground,
& on the men were cast;
they brake many backes & bones,
that they fought euerye[day] ones
while 7 weekes did last.
were throwne downe to the ground,
& on the men were cast;
they brake many backes & bones,
that they fought euerye[day] ones
while 7 weekes did last.
the Emperour was hurt ill therfore,
his men were hurt sore,
all his Ioy was past.
King Arradas thought full longe
that hee was beseeged soe stronge,
with soe much might & maine:
his men were hurt sore,
all his Ioy was past.
114
that hee was beseeged soe stronge,
with soe much might & maine:
2 Lords forth a Message he sent,
& straight to the Emperour thé went.
soe when they cold him see,
of peace they can him pray,
to take truce till a certaine day.
thé kneeled downe on their knee,
& straight to the Emperour thé went.
soe when they cold him see,
of peace they can him pray,
to take truce till a certaine day.
thé kneeled downe on their knee,
& said, “our King sendeth word to thee
that he neuer your sonne did slay,
soe he wold quitt him faine;
he was not then present,
nor did noe wise consent
that your sonne was slaine.
That [he] will proue, if you will soe,
your selfe and he betweene you tow,
if you will it sayne;
that he neuer your sonne did slay,
soe he wold quitt him faine;
he was not then present,
nor did noe wise consent
that your sonne was slaine.
That [he] will proue, if you will soe,
your selfe and he betweene you tow,
if you will it sayne;
“or else take your selfe a Knight,
& he will gett another to fight
on a certaine day:
if that your Knight hap soe
ours for to discomfort or sloe,
as by fortune itt may,
our King then will doe your will,
be att your bidding lowde & still
without more delay;
& he will gett another to fight
on a certaine day:
if that your Knight hap soe
ours for to discomfort or sloe,
as by fortune itt may,
our King then will doe your will,
be att your bidding lowde & still
without more delay;
“& alsoe if it you betyde
that your knight on your syde
be slaine by Mischance,
My Lord shall make your warr to cease,
[and we shall after be at pease,]
without any distance.”
that your knight on your syde
be slaine by Mischance,
115
[and we shall after be at pease,]
without any distance.”
the Emperour said without fayle
“sett a day of Battell
by assent of the King of france;”
for he had a great Campiowne,
in euerye realme he wan renowne;
soe the Emperour ceased his distance.
“sett a day of Battell
by assent of the King of france;”
for he had a great Campiowne,
in euerye realme he wan renowne;
soe the Emperour ceased his distance.
when peace was made, & truce came,
then King Arradas were a Ioyfull man,
& trusted vnto Tryamore.
Soe after him he went without fayle,
for to doe the great battelle
to his helpe & succour.
then King Arradas were a Ioyfull man,
& trusted vnto Tryamore.
Soe after him he went without fayle,
for to doe the great battelle
to his helpe & succour.
his Messengers were come & gone,
tydings of him hard thé none.
the King Arradas thought him long,
“& he be dead, I may say alas!
who shall then fight with Marradais
that is soe stout & stronge?”
tydings of him hard thé none.
the King Arradas thought him long,
“& he be dead, I may say alas!
who shall then fight with Marradais
that is soe stout & stronge?”
when Tryamore was whole & sound,
& well healed of his wound,
he busked him for to fare;
he sayd, “mother,” with mild cheere,
“& I wist what my father were,
the lesse were my care.”
& well healed of his wound,
he busked him for to fare;
116
“& I wist what my father were,
the lesse were my care.”
“sonne,” shee said, “thou shalt witt;
when thou hast Marryed that Ladye sweet,
thy father thou shalt ken.”
“mother,” he said, “if you will [soe,]
haue good day, for now I goe
to doe my Masteryes if I can.”
when thou hast Marryed that Ladye sweet,
thy father thou shalt ken.”
“mother,” he said, “if you will [soe,]
haue good day, for now I goe
to doe my Masteryes if I can.”
then rode he ouer dale & downe
vntill he came to Arragon,
ouer many a weary way.
aduentures many him befell,
& all he scaped full well,
in all his great Iourney.
vntill he came to Arragon,
ouer many a weary way.
aduentures many him befell,
& all he scaped full well,
in all his great Iourney.
he saw many a wild beast
both in heath & in forrest;
he had good grey-hounds 3;
then to a hart he let them run
till 14 fosters spyed him soone,
soe threatened him greatlye;
both in heath & in forrest;
he had good grey-hounds 3;
then to a hart he let them run
till 14 fosters spyed him soone,
soe threatened him greatlye;
they yeede to him with weapons on euerye side;
it was noe boote to bid them byde;
Tryamore was loth to flye,
& said vnto them, “Lords, I you pray,
lett me in peace wend my way
to seeke my grayhounds 3.”
it was noe boote to bid them byde;
Tryamore was loth to flye,
& said vnto them, “Lords, I you pray,
lett me in peace wend my way
to seeke my grayhounds 3.”
then said Tryamore as in this time,
“gold & siluer, take all mine
if that I haue tresspassed ought.”
Thé said, “wee will meete with thy anon,
there shall noe gold borrow thee soone,
but in prison thou shalt be brought,
Such is the law of the ground;
Whosoeuer therin may be found,
other way goe thé nought.”
“gold & siluer, take all mine
if that I haue tresspassed ought.”
117
there shall noe gold borrow thee soone,
but in prison thou shalt be brought,
Such is the law of the ground;
Whosoeuer therin may be found,
other way goe thé nought.”
then Sir Tryamore was full woe
that to prison he shold goe;
hee thought the flesh to deare bought.
there was no more to say,
the fosters att him gan lay
with strokes sterne and stout.
that to prison he shold goe;
hee thought the flesh to deare bought.
there was no more to say,
the fosters att him gan lay
with strokes sterne and stout.
there Tryamore with them fought;
some to the ground be brought;
he made them lowe to looke;
some of them fast gan pray,
the other fled fast away
with wounds wyde that they sought.
some to the ground be brought;
he made them lowe to looke;
some of them fast gan pray,
the other fled fast away
with wounds wyde that they sought.
Tryamore sought & found his gray-hounds;
he hear[k]ned to their yerning sounds,
& thought not for to leaue them soe.
at last he came to a water side;
there he saw the beast abyde
that had slaine 2 of his grayhounds;
he hear[k]ned to their yerning sounds,
& thought not for to leaue them soe.
at last he came to a water side;
there he saw the beast abyde
that had slaine 2 of his grayhounds;
the 3d. full sore troubled the hind,
& he hurt him with his trinde;
then was Tryamore woe.
if the battaile had lasted a while,
the hart wold the hound beguile,
& take his life for euermore.
& he hurt him with his trinde;
then was Tryamore woe.
if the battaile had lasted a while,
the hart wold the hound beguile,
& take his life for euermore.
118
Tryamore smote att the deere,
and to the hart went the spere;
then his horne he blew full sore.
the King Lay there beside
at Mannour that same tide;
he hard a horne blowe;
and to the hart went the spere;
then his horne he blew full sore.
the King Lay there beside
at Mannour that same tide;
he hard a horne blowe;
they had great wonder in hall,
both Knights, Squiers, & all,
for noe man cold it know.
with that ran in a foster
into the hall with euill cheere,
& was full sorry, I trow.
both Knights, Squiers, & all,
for noe man cold it know.
with that ran in a foster
into the hall with euill cheere,
& was full sorry, I trow.
the King of tydings gan him fraine;
he answered, “Sir King, your Keepers be slaine,
and lye dead on a rowe.
there came a knight that was mightye,
he let 3 grayhounds that were wightye,
& laid my fellowes full lowe:”
he answered, “Sir King, your Keepers be slaine,
and lye dead on a rowe.
there came a knight that was mightye,
he let 3 grayhounds that were wightye,
& laid my fellowes full lowe:”
he sayd, it was full true
that the same that the horne blew
that all this sorrow hath wrought.
King Arradas said then,
“I haue great need of such of a man;
god hath him hither brought.”
that the same that the horne blew
that all this sorrow hath wrought.
King Arradas said then,
“I haue great need of such of a man;
god hath him hither brought.”
the King commanded Knights 3,
he said, “goe feitch yond gentleman to me
that is now at his play;
looke noe ill words with him yee breake,
but pray him with me for to speake;
I trow he will not say nay.”
he said, “goe feitch yond gentleman to me
that is now at his play;
looke noe ill words with him yee breake,
but pray him with me for to speake;
I trow he will not say nay.”
119
Euerye knight his steed hent,
& lightlye to the wood thé went
to seeke Tryamore that child.
thé found him by a water side
where he brake the beast that tyde,
that hart that was soe wylde.
& lightlye to the wood thé went
to seeke Tryamore that child.
thé found him by a water side
where he brake the beast that tyde,
that hart that was soe wylde.
thé said, “Sir! god be at your game!”
he answered them euen the same;
then was he frayd of guile.
“Sir Knight!” they said, “is itt your will
to come & speake our King vntill
with word[e]s meeke & mylde?”
he answered them euen the same;
then was he frayd of guile.
“Sir Knight!” they said, “is itt your will
to come & speake our King vntill
with word[e]s meeke & mylde?”
Tryamore asked shortlye,
“what hight your King, tell yee mee,
that is lord of this land?”
“this Land hight Arragon,
& our King, Arradas, with crowne;
his place his heire att hand.”
“what hight your King, tell yee mee,
that is lord of this land?”
“this Land hight Arragon,
& our King, Arradas, with crowne;
his place his heire att hand.”
Tryamore went vnto the K[ing,]
& he was glad of his cominge,
he knew him att first sight;
the King tooke him by the hand,
& said, “welcome into this land!”
& asked him what he hight.
& he was glad of his cominge,
he knew him att first sight;
the King tooke him by the hand,
& said, “welcome into this land!”
& asked him what he hight.
“Sir, my name is Tryamore;
once you helpt me in a stowre
as a noble man of might;
& now I am here in thy Land;
soe was I neuer erst, as I vnderstand,
by god full of might.”
once you helpt me in a stowre
as a noble man of might;
& now I am here in thy Land;
soe was I neuer erst, as I vnderstand,
by god full of might.”
120
when the King wist it was hee,
his hart reioced greatlye;
3 times he did downe fall,
& [said] “Tryamore, welcome to me!
great sorrowe & care I haue had for thee;”
and he told him all;
his hart reioced greatlye;
3 times he did downe fall,
& [said] “Tryamore, welcome to me!
great sorrowe & care I haue had for thee;”
and he told him all;
“with the Emperour I tooke a day
[to] defend me if that I may;
to Iesu I will call;
for I neuer his sonne slew;
god he knoweth I speake but true,
& helpe me I trust he shall!”
[to] defend me if that I may;
to Iesu I will call;
for I neuer his sonne slew;
god he knoweth I speake but true,
& helpe me I trust he shall!”
then said Tryamore thoe, [“I am fulle woe]
that you for me haue beene greeued soe,
if I might it amend;
& att the day of battell
I trust to proue my might as well,
if god will grace me send.”
that you for me haue beene greeued soe,
if I might it amend;
& att the day of battell
I trust to proue my might as well,
if god will grace me send.”
then was King Arradas very glad,
and of Marradas was not adread:
when he to the batteile shold wend,
he ioyed that he shold well speed,
for Tryamore was warry at neede
against his enemye to defend.
and of Marradas was not adread:
when he to the batteile shold wend,
he ioyed that he shold well speed,
for Tryamore was warry at neede
against his enemye to defend.
there Tryamore dwelled with the King
many a weeke without lettinge;
he lacked right nought.
& when the day of battayle was came,
the Emperour with his men hasted full soone,
& manye wonder thought;
many a weeke without lettinge;
he lacked right nought.
& when the day of battayle was came,
the Emperour with his men hasted full soone,
& manye wonder thought;
121
he brought thither both King & Knight;
& Marradas, that was of might,
to batteille he him brought.
there was many a seemelye man,
moe then I tell you can;
of them all he ne wrought.
& Marradas, that was of might,
to batteille he him brought.
there was many a seemelye man,
moe then I tell you can;
of them all he ne wrought.
both partyes that ilke day
into the feeld tooke the way,
they were already dight.
the King there kissed Tryamore,
& sayd, “I make thee mine [heyre] this hower,
& dubb thee a knight.”
into the feeld tooke the way,
they were already dight.
the King there kissed Tryamore,
& sayd, “I make thee mine [heyre] this hower,
& dubb thee a knight.”
“Sir,” said Tryamore, “take no dread;
I trust Iesus will me speede,
for you be in the right;
therfore through gods grace
I will fight for you in this place
with the helpe of our Lords might!”
I trust Iesus will me speede,
for you be in the right;
therfore through gods grace
I will fight for you in this place
with the helpe of our Lords might!”
both partyes were full swore
to hold the promise that was made before;
to Iesus can hee call.
Sir Tryamore & Sir Marradas
both well armed was
amonge the Lords all;
to hold the promise that was made before;
to Iesus can hee call.
Sir Tryamore & Sir Marradas
both well armed was
amonge the Lords all;
eche of them were sett on steede;
all men of Tryamore had dreede,
that was soe hind in all.
Marradas was stiffe & sure,
their might noe man his stroake endure,
But that he made them fall.
all men of Tryamore had dreede,
that was soe hind in all.
Marradas was stiffe & sure,
their might noe man his stroake endure,
But that he made them fall.
122
then rode they together full right;
with sharpe speres & swords bright
they smote together sore;
thé spent speres & brake sheelds,
thé busled fowle in middest the feelds,
either fomed as doth a bore.
with sharpe speres & swords bright
they smote together sore;
thé spent speres & brake sheelds,
thé busled fowle in middest the feelds,
either fomed as doth a bore.
all thé wondred that beheld
how thé fought in the feeld;
there was but a liffe.
Marradas fared fyer wood
because Tryamore soe long stood;
sore gan hee smite.
Sir Tryamore fayled of Marradas,
that sword lighted vpon his horsse,
the sword to ground gan light.
how thé fought in the feeld;
there was but a liffe.
Marradas fared fyer wood
because Tryamore soe long stood;
sore gan hee smite.
Sir Tryamore fayled of Marradas,
that sword lighted vpon his horsse,
the sword to ground gan light.
Marradas said, “it is great shame
on a steed to wreake his game!
thou sholdest rather smite mee!”
Tryamore swore, “by gods might
I had leuer it had on thee light!
then I wold not be sorye;
on a steed to wreake his game!
thou sholdest rather smite mee!”
Tryamore swore, “by gods might
I had leuer it had on thee light!
then I wold not be sorye;
“but here I giue thee steede mine
because I haue slaine thine;
by my will it shalbe soe.”
Marradas sayd, “I will [him] nought
till I haue him with stroakes bought,”
[and won him from my foe.]
because I haue slaine thine;
by my will it shalbe soe.”
Marradas sayd, “I will [him] nought
till I haue him with stroakes bought,”
[and won him from my foe.]
& Tryamore lighted from his horsse,
& to Marradas straight he goes,
for both on foote they did light.
Sir Tryamore spared him nought,
[But evyr in his hert he thoght]
“this day was I made a Knight!”
& to Marradas straight he goes,
for both on foote they did light.
123
[But evyr in his hert he thoght]
“this day was I made a Knight!”
& thought that hee himselfe wold be slaine soone,
“or else of him I will win my shoone
throughe gods might.”
thé laid eche at other with good will
with sharpe swords made of steele;
that saw many a knight.
“or else of him I will win my shoone
throughe gods might.”
thé laid eche at other with good will
with sharpe swords made of steele;
that saw many a knight.
great wonder it was to behold
the stroakes that was betwixt them soe bold;
all men might it see.
thé were weary, & had soe greatlye bled;
Marradas was sore adread,
he fainted then greatlye;
the stroakes that was betwixt them soe bold;
all men might it see.
thé were weary, & had soe greatlye bled;
Marradas was sore adread,
he fainted then greatlye;
& that Tryamore lightlye beheld,
& fought feerclye in the feeld;
he stroke Marradas soe sore
that the sword through the body ran.
then was the Emperour a sorry man;
he made thenn peace for euer-more;
& fought feerclye in the feeld;
he stroke Marradas soe sore
that the sword through the body ran.
then was the Emperour a sorry man;
he made thenn peace for euer-more;
he kissed the King, & was his freind,
& tooke his leauee homewards to wend;
noe longer there dwell wold hee.
then King Arradas & Tryamore
went to the palace with great honor,
into that rych citye.
there was ioy without care,
& all they had great welfare,
there might no better bee;
& tooke his leauee homewards to wend;
noe longer there dwell wold hee.
then King Arradas & Tryamore
went to the palace with great honor,
into that rych citye.
there was ioy without care,
& all they had great welfare,
there might no better bee;
124
they hunted & rode many a where,
full great pleasure they had there.
among the knights of price
the King profered him full fayre,
& sayd, “Tryamore, Ile make thee mine heyre,
for thou art strong & wise.”
full great pleasure they had there.
among the knights of price
the King profered him full fayre,
& sayd, “Tryamore, Ile make thee mine heyre,
for thou art strong & wise.”
Sir Tryamore said, “Sir, trulye
into other countryes goe will I;
I desire of you but a steed,
& to other lands will I goe
some great aduentures for to doe,
thus will I my liffe lead.”
the King was verry sorry tho;
when that hee wold from him goe,
he gaue him a sure weede,
into other countryes goe will I;
I desire of you but a steed,
& to other lands will I goe
some great aduentures for to doe,
thus will I my liffe lead.”
the King was verry sorry tho;
when that hee wold from him goe,
he gaue him a sure weede,
& plenty of siluer & gold,
& a steed as hee wold,
that nothing wold feare.
hee tooke his leaue of the King,
And mourned at his departing,
then hasted he him there;
& a steed as hee wold,
that nothing wold feare.
hee tooke his leaue of the King,
And mourned at his departing,
then hasted he him there;
the King sayd, “Tryamor! that is mine,
when thou list it shall be thine,
all my kingdome lesse & more.”
Now is Tryamore forth goe;
Lords & ladyes were full woe,
euerye man loued him there.
when thou list it shall be thine,
all my kingdome lesse & more.”
Now is Tryamore forth goe;
Lords & ladyes were full woe,
euerye man loued him there.
Tryamore rode in hast trulye
into the Land of Hungarye,
aduentures for to seeke.
betweene 2 mountaines, the sooth to say,
he rode forth on his way;
with a palmer he did meete;
into the Land of Hungarye,
aduentures for to seeke.
125
he rode forth on his way;
with a palmer he did meete;
he asked almes for gods sake,
& Tryamore him not forgate,
he gaue him with words sweete.
the palmer said, “turne yee againe,
or else I feare you wilbe slaine;
you may not passe but you be beat.”
& Tryamore him not forgate,
he gaue him with words sweete.
the palmer said, “turne yee againe,
or else I feare you wilbe slaine;
you may not passe but you be beat.”
Tryamore asked “why soe?”
“Sir,” he said, “there be brethren towe
that on the mountaine dwells.”
“faith,” said Tryamore, “if there be no more,
I trust in god that way to goe,
if this be true that thou tells.”
he bade the palmer good day,
& rode forth on his way
ouer heath & feelds;
“Sir,” he said, “there be brethren towe
that on the mountaine dwells.”
“faith,” said Tryamore, “if there be no more,
I trust in god that way to goe,
if this be true that thou tells.”
he bade the palmer good day,
& rode forth on his way
ouer heath & feelds;
the palmer prayed to him full fast,
Tryamore was not agast,
he blew his horne full shrill.
he had not rydden but a while,
not the Mountenance of a mile,
2 knights he saw on a hill:
Tryamore was not agast,
he blew his horne full shrill.
he had not rydden but a while,
not the Mountenance of a mile,
2 knights he saw on a hill:
the one of them to him gan ryde,
they other still gan abyde
a litle there beside.
& when thé did Tryamore spye,
thé said, “turne thee traytor, or thou shalt dye,
therfore stand & abyde!”
they other still gan abyde
a litle there beside.
& when thé did Tryamore spye,
thé said, “turne thee traytor, or thou shalt dye,
therfore stand & abyde!”
126
either againe other gan ryd fast,
theire strokes mad their speres to brast,
& made them wounds full wyde.
the other knight that honed soe,
wondred that Tryamore dared soe:
he rode to them that tyde
theire strokes mad their speres to brast,
& made them wounds full wyde.
the other knight that honed soe,
wondred that Tryamore dared soe:
he rode to them that tyde
& departed them in twaine,
& to speake fayre he began to fraine
with words that sounded well:
to Tryamore he sayd anon,
“a doughtyer Knight I neuer saw none!
thy name that thou vs tell.”
Tryamore said, “first will I wett
why that you doe keepe this street,
& where that you doe dwell.”
& to speake fayre he began to fraine
with words that sounded well:
to Tryamore he sayd anon,
“a doughtyer Knight I neuer saw none!
thy name that thou vs tell.”
Tryamore said, “first will I wett
why that you doe keepe this street,
& where that you doe dwell.”
thé said, “wee had a brother hight Marradas,
with the Emperour forsooth he was,
a stronge man well I-know.
in Arragon, before the Emperour,
a knight called Sir Tryamore
in battel there him slew;
with the Emperour forsooth he was,
a stronge man well I-know.
in Arragon, before the Emperour,
a knight called Sir Tryamore
in battel there him slew;
“& alsoe wee say another,
Burlong our elder brother,
as a man of much might;
he hath beseeged soothlye
the Kings daughter of Hungarye;
to wed her he hath height;
Burlong our elder brother,
as a man of much might;
he hath beseeged soothlye
the Kings daughter of Hungarye;
to wed her he hath height;
127
“& soe well hee hath sped
that hee shall that Lady wedd
but shee may find a Knight
that Burlonge ouercome may;
to that they haue tooke a day,
wage battel & fight;
that hee shall that Lady wedd
but shee may find a Knight
that Burlonge ouercome may;
to that they haue tooke a day,
wage battel & fight;
“for that same Tryamore
loued that Ladye paramoure,
as it is before told;
if he will to Hungarye,
needs must he come vs by;
to meete with him wee wold.”
loued that Ladye paramoure,
as it is before told;
if he will to Hungarye,
needs must he come vs by;
to meete with him wee wold.”
Tryamore said, “I say not nay,
but my name I will tell this day,
in faith I will not Laine:
thinke your Iourney well besett,
for with Tryamore you haue mett
that your brother hath slaine.”
but my name I will tell this day,
in faith I will not Laine:
thinke your Iourney well besett,
for with Tryamore you haue mett
that your brother hath slaine.”
“welcome!” thé said, “Tryamore!
his death shalt thou repent sore;
thy sorrow shall begin.
yeeld thee to vs anon,
for thou shalt not from vs gone
by noe manner of gin.”
his death shalt thou repent sore;
thy sorrow shall begin.
yeeld thee to vs anon,
for thou shalt not from vs gone
by noe manner of gin.”
thé smote feircly att him tho,
& Tryamore against them 2
without more delay.
Sir Tryamore proued him full prest,
he brake their spere on their brest,
hee had such assay;
& Tryamore against them 2
without more delay.
Sir Tryamore proued him full prest,
he brake their spere on their brest,
hee had such assay;
128
his sheeld was broken in peeces 3,
his horsse was smitten on his knee,
soe hard att him thé thrust.
Sir Tryamore was then right wood,
& slew the one there as he stood
with his sword full prest.
his horsse was smitten on his knee,
soe hard att him thé thrust.
Sir Tryamore was then right wood,
& slew the one there as he stood
with his sword full prest.
that other rode his way,
his hart was in great affray,
yet he turned againe that tide,—
when Tryamore had slaine his brother,
a sorry man then was the other,—
& straight againe to him did rydde;
his hart was in great affray,
yet he turned againe that tide,—
when Tryamore had slaine his brother,
a sorry man then was the other,—
& straight againe to him did rydde;
then they 2 sore foughte
that the other to the ground was brought
then were thé both slaine.
that the other to the ground was brought
then were thé both slaine.
tho the Ladye on Tryamore thought,
for of him shee knew right nought,
shee wist not what to say.
the day was come that was sett,
the Lords assembled without lett,
all in good array.
for of him shee knew right nought,
shee wist not what to say.
the day was come that was sett,
the Lords assembled without lett,
all in good array.
Burlonge was redye dight,
he bade the Lady send the Knight.
shee answered “I ne may:”
for in that castle shee had hight
to keepe her with all her might,
as the story doth say.
he bade the Lady send the Knight.
shee answered “I ne may:”
for in that castle shee had hight
to keepe her with all her might,
as the story doth say.
thé said, “if Tryamore be aliue,
hither will hee come blithe;
god send vs good grace to speed!”
with that came in Sir Tryamore
in the thickest of that stower,
into the feild without dread.
hither will hee come blithe;
god send vs good grace to speed!”
129
in the thickest of that stower,
into the feild without dread.
he asked ‘what all that did meane.’
the people shewed that a battel there shold beene
for the loue of that Ladye.
he saw Burlong on his steede,
& straight to him he yeede;
that Ladye challengeth hee.
the people shewed that a battel there shold beene
for the loue of that Ladye.
he saw Burlong on his steede,
& straight to him he yeede;
that Ladye challengeth hee.
Burlong asked him if he wold fight.
Tryamore said, “with all [my] might
to slay thee, or thou me.”
anon thé made them readye,
& none there knew him sikerlye,
thé wondred what he shold bee.
Tryamore said, “with all [my] might
to slay thee, or thou me.”
anon thé made them readye,
& none there knew him sikerlye,
thé wondred what he shold bee.
high on a tower stood that good Ladye;
shee knew not what Knight verelye
that with Burlong did fight.
fast shee asked of her men
‘if that Knight they cold ken
that to battell was dight;
shee knew not what Knight verelye
that with Burlong did fight.
fast shee asked of her men
‘if that Knight they cold ken
that to battell was dight;
‘a griffon he beareth all of blew.’
a herald of armes soone him knew,
& said anon-right,
“Madame! god hath sent you succor;
for yonder is Tryamore
That with Burlong will fight.”
a herald of armes soone him knew,
& said anon-right,
“Madame! god hath sent you succor;
for yonder is Tryamore
That with Burlong will fight.”
to Iesus gan the Ladye pray
for to speed him on his Iourney
that hee about yeed.
then those Knights ran together,
the speres in peeces gan shiuer,
thé fought full sore indeed;
for to speed him on his Iourney
that hee about yeed.
130
the speres in peeces gan shiuer,
thé fought full sore indeed;
there was noe man in the feild tho
who shold haue the better of them tow,
soe mightilye they did them beare.
the Battel lasted wonderous long;
though Burlong was neuer soe stronge,
there found he his peere.
who shold haue the better of them tow,
soe mightilye they did them beare.
the Battel lasted wonderous long;
though Burlong was neuer soe stronge,
there found he his peere.
Tryamore a stroke to him mint,
his sword fell downe at that dint
out of his hand him froe.
then was Burlong verry glad,
& the Ladye was verry sad,
& many more full woe.
his sword fell downe at that dint
out of his hand him froe.
then was Burlong verry glad,
& the Ladye was verry sad,
& many more full woe.
Tryamore asked his sword againe,
but Burlong gan him fraine
to know first his name;
& said, “tell me first what thou hight,
& why thou challengeth the Ladye bright,
then shalt thou haue thy sword againe.”
but Burlong gan him fraine
to know first his name;
& said, “tell me first what thou hight,
& why thou challengeth the Ladye bright,
then shalt thou haue thy sword againe.”
Tryamore sayd, “soe mote I thee,
My name I will tell trulye,
therof I will not doubt;
men call me Sir Tryamore,
I wan this Ladye in a stowre
among Barrons stout.”
My name I will tell trulye,
therof I will not doubt;
men call me Sir Tryamore,
I wan this Ladye in a stowre
among Barrons stout.”
then said Burlong, “thou it was
that slew my brother Marradas!
a faire hap thee befell!”
Sir Tryamore sayd to him tho,
“soe haue I done thy Brethren 2
that on the Mountaines did dwell.”
that slew my brother Marradas!
a faire hap thee befell!”
131
“soe haue I done thy Brethren 2
that on the Mountaines did dwell.”
Burlong said, “woe may thou bee,
for thou hast slaine my brethren 3!
sorrow hast thou sought!
thy sword getts thou neuer againe
till I be avenged, & thou slaine;
now I am well bethought!”
for thou hast slaine my brethren 3!
sorrow hast thou sought!
thy sword getts thou neuer againe
till I be avenged, & thou slaine;
now I am well bethought!”
Sir Tryamore sayd, “noe force tho,
thou shalt repent it ere thou goe;
doe forth! I dread thee nought!”
Burlong to smite was readye bowne,
his feete slipt, & hee fell downe,
& Tryamore right well nought,
thou shalt repent it ere thou goe;
doe forth! I dread thee nought!”
Burlong to smite was readye bowne,
his feete slipt, & hee fell downe,
& Tryamore right well nought,
his sword lightlye he vp hent,
& to Burlonge fast he went;
for nothing wold he flee;
& as he wold haue risen againe,
he smote his leggs euen in twaine
hard fast by the knee.
& to Burlonge fast he went;
for nothing wold he flee;
& as he wold haue risen againe,
he smote his leggs euen in twaine
hard fast by the knee.
Tryamore bade him “stand vpright,
& all men may see now in fight
wee beene meete of a size.”
Sir Tryamore suffered him
to take another weapon,
as a knight of much prize.
& all men may see now in fight
wee beene meete of a size.”
Sir Tryamore suffered him
to take another weapon,
as a knight of much prize.
Burlong on his stumpes stood
as a man that was nye wood,
& fought wonderous hard.
& Sir Tryamore strake stroakes sure,
for he cold well endure;
of him hee was not affrayd,
as a man that was nye wood,
& fought wonderous hard.
132
for he cold well endure;
of him hee was not affrayd,
& vnder his ventale
his head he smote of without fayle;
with that in peeces his sword brast.
his head he smote of without fayle;
with that in peeces his sword brast.
Now is Burlong slaine,
& Triamore with maine
into the Castle went,
to the Ladye that was full bright;
& att the gates shee mett the Knight,
& in her armes shee him hent.
& Triamore with maine
into the Castle went,
to the Ladye that was full bright;
& att the gates shee mett the Knight,
& in her armes shee him hent.
Shee said, “welcome sir Tryamore!
for you haue bought my loue full deere,
my hart is on you lent!”
then said all the Barrons bold,
“of him wee will our lands hold;”
& therto they did assent.
for you haue bought my loue full deere,
my hart is on you lent!”
then said all the Barrons bold,
“of him wee will our lands hold;”
& therto they did assent.
there is noe more to say,
but they haue taken a certaine day
that they both shalbe wed.
Sir Tryamore for his mother sent,
a Messenger for her went,
& into the castle he[r] led.
but they haue taken a certaine day
that they both shalbe wed.
Sir Tryamore for his mother sent,
a Messenger for her went,
& into the castle he[r] led.
Tryamore to his mother gan saine,
“my father I wold know faine,
sith I haue soe well sped.”
shee said, “King Arraydas of Arragon,
is thy father, & thou his owne sonne;
I was his wedded Queene;
“my father I wold know faine,
sith I haue soe well sped.”
shee said, “King Arraydas of Arragon,
is thy father, & thou his owne sonne;
I was his wedded Queene;
133
“a leasing was borne me in hand,
& falsely fleamed me out of his land
by a traitor Keene,
Sir Marrockee thé hight: he did me woe,
& Sir Rodger my knight he did sloe,
that my guide shold haue beene.”
& falsely fleamed me out of his land
by a traitor Keene,
Sir Marrockee thé hight: he did me woe,
& Sir Rodger my knight he did sloe,
that my guide shold haue beene.”
& when that Tryamore all heard,
& how his mother shee had sayd,
letters he made & wrought;
he prayd King Arradas to come him till,
if that it were his will,
thus he him besought:
& how his mother shee had sayd,
letters he made & wrought;
he prayd King Arradas to come him till,
if that it were his will,
thus he him besought:
‘if hee will come into Hungarye
for his Manhood & his Masterye,
& that he wold fayle in nought.’
then was King Arradas verry glad;
the Messengers great guifts had
for they tydings that they brought.
for his Manhood & his Masterye,
& that he wold fayle in nought.’
then was King Arradas verry glad;
the Messengers great guifts had
for they tydings that they brought.
the day was come that was sett,
the Lords came thither without let,
& ladyes of great pryde;
then wold they noe longer lett;
shortlye after they are fett,
with 2 dukes on euerye side;
the Lords came thither without let,
& ladyes of great pryde;
then wold they noe longer lett;
shortlye after they are fett,
with 2 dukes on euerye side;
they lady to the church thé led;
a Bishopp them together did wed,
in full great hast thé hyed.
soone after that weddinge
Sir Tryamore was crowned King,
they wold noe longer abyde.
a Bishopp them together did wed,
in full great hast thé hyed.
soone after that weddinge
Sir Tryamore was crowned King,
they wold noe longer abyde.
134
the Queene, his mother Margarett,
before the King shee was sett
in a goodlye cheare.
King Arradas beheld his Queene,
him thought that hee had her seene,
shee was a ladye fayre;
the King said, “it is your will
your name me for to tell,
I pray you with words fayre.”
before the King shee was sett
in a goodlye cheare.
King Arradas beheld his Queene,
him thought that hee had her seene,
shee was a ladye fayre;
the King said, “it is your will
your name me for to tell,
I pray you with words fayre.”
“my Lord,” sayd [she,] “I was your Queene;
your steward did me ill teene;
that euill might him befalle!”
the King spake noe more words
till the clothes were drawen from the bords,
& men rose in the hall.
& by the hand he tooke the Queene gent;
soe in the chamber forth he went,
& there shee told him all.
your steward did me ill teene;
that euill might him befalle!”
the King spake noe more words
till the clothes were drawen from the bords,
& men rose in the hall.
& by the hand he tooke the Queene gent;
soe in the chamber forth he went,
& there shee told him all.
then was there great Ioy & blisse!
when they together gan kisse,
then all they companye made Ioy enough.
the younge Queene [was] full glad
that shee a Kings sonne to her Lord had,
shee was glad, I trowe;
when they together gan kisse,
then all they companye made Ioy enough.
the younge Queene [was] full glad
that shee a Kings sonne to her Lord had,
shee was glad, I trowe;
in Ioy together lead their liffe
all their dayes without striffe,
& liued many a fayre yeere.
Then king Arradas & his Queene
had ioy enough them betweene,
& merrilye liued together.
all their dayes without striffe,
& liued many a fayre yeere.
Then king Arradas & his Queene
had ioy enough them betweene,
& merrilye liued together.
135
& thus wee leaue of Tryamore
that liued long in great honor
with the fayre Hellene.
I pray god giue their soules good rest,
& all that haue heard this litle Iest,
highe heauen for to win!
god grant vs all to haue that grace,
him for to see in the celestyall place!
I pray you all to say Amen!
that liued long in great honor
with the fayre Hellene.
I pray god giue their soules good rest,
& all that haue heard this litle Iest,
highe heauen for to win!
god grant vs all to haue that grace,
him for to see in the celestyall place!
I pray you all to say Amen!
ffins.
| The Turke and Gowin, Sir Lambewell, Lord of Learne, Scotish Feilde, Flodden Feilde, Eger and Grine, Sir Triamore, Sir Degree. Ladye Bessiye | |